The Notable Films of 2013: Volume I

In this volume I look at a more grounded and darker take on “Iron Man,” Ralph Fiennes telling the tale of the secret mistress of Charles Dickens, Pedro Almodovar going gaga for flight attendants, Aaron Eckhart as a modern day Frankenstein, Steve Carell and Jim Carrey as feuding Vegas magicians, James Franco remaking scenes from one of the most infamous cult films ever, and a sequel to a highly profitable and well-regarded supernatural shocker.

The Inevitable Defeat of Mister and Pete

“Notorious” and “Faster” helmer George Tillman Jr.’s latest effort is this unassuming indie coming of age tale about two young boys who have been separated from their mothers and are stuck facing a summer alone in the Brooklyn projects. Hiding from police and foraging for food, they soon learn they can only trust each other. Yet another film on this list scheduled to premiere at Sundance, there’s some big names who have small roles here including Jennifer Hudson, Jordin Sparks, Anthony Mackie and Jeffrey Wright.

In Fear

Jeremy Lovering, a second unit director on “Hot Fuzz,” makes his directing debut on this psychological horror thriller which has become a part of this year’s Sundance’s Midnight Movie selection. “The Fades” & “S.H.I.E.L.D.” star Iain De Caestecker, along with “Beautiful Creatures” lead Alice Englert, play a couple trapped in a maze of country roads where they are being terrorized by an unseen tormentor exploiting their worst fears. They eventually realize they’ve let the evil in – it’s sitting in their car. Backed by Film 4 and StudioCanal, there seems to be more to this film than meets the eye.

In the Blood

“Blue Crush” and “Turistas” helmer John Stockwell uses Puerto Rico to substitute for South America in this $10 million action thriller starring MMA fighter and “Haywire” actress Gina Carano. Carano plays a woman trying to track down her husband after he is kidnapped on their South American honeymoon. She’s soon joined in her search by a local (Diego Boneta). Just wrapping last week, there’s quite the macho supporting cast on hand including Danny Trejo, Stephen Lang, Amaury Nolasco and Treat Williams. The film is also expected to have bare bones action vibe that suits Carano’s skills.